Inhaler power source unit

ABSTRACT

An inhaler power source unit, that supplies electric power from a power supply to a heater configured to heat an aerosol source is provided. The power source unit includes a control unit configured to control an operation of the power source unit, a housing configured to accommodate the power supply and the control unit, a panel configured to be detachably attached to a surface of the housing, and a detection unit configured to detect attachment or detachment of the panel to or from the housing. The control unit is configured to impose, in a case where the detection unit detects the detachment of the panel, a function restriction on a plurality of functions controlled by the control unit. The control unit has a plurality of operation modes, and contents of the function restriction are different for each operation mode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to PCT/JP2022/012249 filed onMar. 17, 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-076014 filed onApr. 28, 2021, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention relates to an inhaler power source unit.

Related Art

An inhaler such as a heated tobacco product can include a base materialincluding an aerosol source and a flavor source, and a power source unitthat accommodates the base material and heats the base material bysupplying electric power from a power supply to a heater.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides an inhaler power source unit, forexample, advantageous in both safety and user convenience.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided aninhaler power source unit, that supplies electric power from a powersupply to a heater configured to heat an aerosol source, the powersource unit comprising a control unit configured to control an operationof the power source unit, a housing configured to accommodate the powersupply and the control unit, a panel configured to be detachablyattached to a surface of the housing, and a detection unit configured todetect attachment or detachment of the panel to or from the housing,wherein the control unit is configured to impose, in a case where thedetection unit detects the detachment of the panel, a functionrestriction on a plurality of functions controlled by the control unit,and the control unit has a plurality of operation modes, and contents ofthe function restriction are different for each operation mode.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to theattached drawings).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the outer appearance of an inhaler;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the outer appearance of the inhaler;

FIG. 2 is a view of the internal arrangement of the inhaler;

FIG. 3A is a view showing an arrangement example for attachment of anouter panel;

FIG. 3B is a view showing the arrangement example for attachment of theouter panel;

FIG. 4A is a view showing an arrangement example for attachment of theouter panel;

FIG. 4B is a view showing the arrangement example for attachment of theouter panel;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional arrangement of a powersource unit;

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of transition of the state of thepower source unit;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of thepower source unit in a sleep mode;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of thepower source unit in an active mode;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of thepower source unit in an aerosol generation mode;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of thepower source unit in a pairing mode;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of thepower source unit in a charging mode;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of thepower source unit in an unlock setting mode; and

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a setting screen in which theoperation of each function in a state in which the outer panel isdetached is selectable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference tothe attached drawings. Note, the following embodiments are not intendedto limit the scope of the claimed invention, and limitation is not madeto an invention that requires a combination of all features described inthe embodiments. Two or more of the multiple features described in theembodiments may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, the samereference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations, andredundant description thereof is omitted.

<Arrangement of Inhaler>

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example of the outer appearance of an inhaler100 according to an embodiment. The inhaler 100 provides, to a user viaa stick 110, flavored aerosol, a gas containing aerosol and a flavormaterial, aerosol, or aerosol containing a flavor material in accordancewith an operation of requesting aerosol (to be also referred to as an“aerosol generation request” hereinafter) such as an inhalationoperation by the user. Therefore, the inhaler 100 may be understood asan aerosol generation device.

The inhaler 100 can be formed by a power source unit 101 and the stick110. The stick 110 is, for example, a base material including an aerosolsource and a flavor source. The aerosol source can be, for example, aliquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propyleneglycol. Alternatively, the aerosol source may contain a drug. Theaerosol source may be a liquid, a solid, or a mixture of a liquid and asolid. A vapor source such as water may be used in place of the aerosolsource. The flavor source can be, for example, a formed body obtained byforming a tobacco material. Alternatively, the flavor source may beformed by a plant (for example, mint, herb, Chinese medicine, coffeebeans, or the like) other than tobacco. A fragrance such as menthol maybe added to the flavor source. The flavor source may be added to theaerosol source.

The power source unit 101 has a substantially rectangular parallelopipedshape with round corners that is elongated in the vertical direction ofthe sheet surface of each of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and can be formed in asize which the user can grasp with one hand. The power source unit 101can include an outer panel 102, an action button B, and a slider 105.

The outer panel 102 is a flexible panel member that covers at least partof the front surface of the power source unit 101. The outer panel 102is an exterior member of the power source unit 101, that is detachablefor replacement, and may be understood as a decorative panel. Forexample, a plurality of outer panels different in color and pattern areprepared, and the user can replace the outer panel by a preferred outerpanel. The outer panel 102 may be understood as a heat-insulating panelthat insulates heat generated in the power source unit 101, or as aprotection panel that protects the inside of the power source unit 101from an impact or compression at the time of falling.

A display window 103 is formed in the outer panel 102. The displaywindow 103 can be a band-like window extending along the longitudinaldirection (the vertical direction of the sheet surface) in substantiallythe center of the outer panel 102. The power source unit 101 includes adisplay D (display unit) (see FIG. 2 ). The display D can include, forexample, one or more LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes). Light emitted by theLED passes through the display window 103. The display D can display,for example, a residual battery amount by a bar graph.

The action button B is an operation button formed by a physical pushbutton. The action button B is covered with the outer panel 102.However, since the outer panel 102 is flexible, the user can operate theaction button B via the outer panel 102. When the user presses theaction button B via the outer panel 102, a corresponding signal istransmitted to a control unit (to be described later). Note that thisembodiment will describe, as an example, a case where the action buttonB formed by a physical button is covered with the outer panel 102 butanother arrangement may be adopted as long as a user operation can beaccepted. For example, instead of the action button B, another arbitrarytype of input device such as a switch or a touch sensing surface exposedfrom the outer panel 102 may be provided.

Note that the outer panel 102 may be imparted with such rigidity thatthe user needs to push the outer panel 102 using a plurality of fingersto operate the action button B via the outer panel 102. This canprevent, for example, the action button B from being erroneously pressedin a bag or an unintended erroneous operation by the user. This is alsoadvantageous in terms of prevention of child mischief (childresistance).

The slider 105 is a cover member (shutter) slidably disposed on theupper surface of the power source unit 101 along a direction 105 aindicated by an arrow. The slider 105 is configured to open/close anopening into which the stick 110 is inserted. FIG. 1A shows a state inwhich an opening 106 is covered with the slider 105. This state willalso be referred to as a “shutter closed state” hereinafter. FIG. 1Bshows a state in which the opening 106 is exposed by sliding the slider105 to the near side. This state will also be referred to as a “shutteropen state” hereinafter.

When inhaling aerosol using the inhaler 100, the user operates theslider 105 to the shutter open state. After that, the user inserts thestick 110 into the opening 106. The inserted stick 110 is held by atubular holding portion 107 communicating with the opening 106. Asection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holdingportion 107 can be, for example, circular, elliptical, or polygonal, andthe sectional area of the section gradually reduces toward the bottomsurface. With this arrangement, the inner surface of the holding portion107 pushes the outer surface of the stick 110 inserted into the holdingportion 107, thereby making it possible to prevent a fall of the stick110 by the frictional force. After that, the user can perform an unlockoperation using the action button B. If the unlock operation isperformed, the power source unit 101 is unlocked to start heating thestick 110, thereby setting an inhalation enable state. When theinhalation enable state is thus set, the user can hold, in the mouth, amouthpiece portion formed at the distal end of the stick 110 and inhaleflavored aerosol. After the end of the inhalation of the aerosol, theuser performs an operation of pulling out the stick 110 from the holdingportion 107, and closing the slider 105 (shutter closed state).

FIG. 2 is a view showing the internal arrangement of the inhaler 100.Note that FIG. 2 does not illustrate the outer panel 102. As describedabove, the power source unit 101 includes the holding portion 107 thatcommunicates with the opening 106 and holds the stick 110. Furthermore,the power source unit 101 can include a heater H, an electricalcomponent E, and a user interface 116. The user interface 116 may beunderstood to be included in the electrical component E. The heater Hforms a heating unit that heats the stick 110. The heater H can include,for example, a resistive heat generating component that generatesaerosol by heating an aerosol source included in the stick 110. As aresistive heat generating material of the resistive heat generatingcomponent, for example, a mixture of one or more of copper, a nickelalloy, a chromium alloy, stainless steel, and platinum rhodium can beused. The heater H is arranged to cover the periphery of the holdingportion 107, and generates heat by electric power supplied from theelectrical component E. The heat of the heater H is transmitted to thestick 110 via the holding portion 107, thereby heating the stick 110.When the stick 110 is heated, the stick 110 generates aerosol. The userinterface 116 can include the action button B, the display D, and avibration generation unit V. The vibration generation unit V can beformed by a vibration motor (vibrator) for vibrating the housing of thepower source unit 101. By vibrating the housing by the vibration motor,it is possible to notify the user, who holds the power source unit 101,of the state.

If the user holds the mouthpiece portion at the distal end of the stick110 in the mouth and performs an inhalation operation, air flows intothe stick through an opening (not shown), as exemplified by a brokenarrow A. When the heater H heats the stick 110, the vaporized and/oraerosolized aerosol source is transported toward the mouthpiece portionby air. In the process in which the aerosol source is transported towardthe mouthpiece portion, the vaporized and/or aerosolized aerosol sourceis cooled to form fine liquid droplets, thereby promotingaerosolization. In the arrangement in which the flavor source is alsoincluded in the stick 110, a flavor material generated from the flavorsource is added to the aerosol, and the resultant flavored aerosol istransported to the mouthpiece portion, and inhaled by the user's mouth.

Note that the example in which the heater H is incorporated in the powersource unit 101 has been described above. An arrangement in which aheater (atomizer), an aerosol source, and a flavor source are providedin the form of a cartridge, instead of the stick 110, may be adopted.

Arrangement examples for attachment of the outer panel 102 to the powersource unit 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B andFIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 3A is a view showing the inner surface of the outer panel 102. FIG.3B is a view showing a portion exposed to the front surface of the powersource unit 101 in a state in which the outer panel 102 is detached. Thepower source unit 101 includes a housing 101 a that accommodates a powersupply and an electric component (including a control unit to bedescribed later), and an inner panel 202. Referring to FIG. 3B, theinner panel 202 is arranged around the action button B to expose theaction button B, and is arranged to cover the front surface of thehousing 101 a. In a state in which the outer panel 102 is attached tothe power source unit 101, the inner surface of the outer panel 102 andthe outer surface of the inner panel 202 face each other.

As shown in FIG. 3A, on the inner surface of the outer panel 102, amagnet 11 is arranged above the display window 103, a projection 12 isarranged below the display window 103, and magnets 13A and 14 arearranged below the projection 12. If the outer panel 102 is broughtcloser to the inner panel 202 to be attached to the inner panel 202, themagnetic force (magnetic attraction force) of the magnets 11 and 14attracts the outer panel 102 to the inner panel 202. This causes theouter panel 102 to be held by the inner panel 202. When the outer panel102 is held by the inner panel 202, the projection 12 is at suchposition facing the action button B that the action button B can bepressed. A magnetic sensor 23A is arranged on the rear surface of theinner panel 202. The magnet 13A is formed as a magnetic fieldapplication unit for the magnetic sensor 23A. When the magnetic sensor23A detects a magnetic force by a magnetic field applied from the magnet13A, it is possible to detect the attachment of the outer panel 102.

As shown in FIG. 3B, on the outer surface of the inner panel 202, adisplay window 25 is formed above the action button B, a magnet 21A isarranged above the display window 25, and a magnet 24 is arranged belowthe action button B. Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 23A is arranged ata position between the action button B and the magnet 24 on the innersurface (more correctly, on a substrate with an approximately zerodistance to the inner surface) of the inner panel 202. The magneticsensor 23A forms a magnetic force detection region 26A indicated by abroken line on the outer surface of the inner panel 202. The magnet 21A,the display window 25, the action button B, the magnetic sensor 23A, andthe magnet 24 on the side of the inner panel 202 correspond to themagnet 11, the display window 103, the projection 12, the magnet 13A,and the magnet 14 on the side of the outer panel 102, respectively. Thatis, when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, thepanels are aligned with respect to the respective components so thatthey face each other.

The magnets 21A and 24 of the inner panel 202 can be attracted to themagnets 11 and 14 of the outer panel 102 by the magnetic forces(magnetic attraction forces), respectively. That is, when the magnets 11and 21A are attracted to each other and the magnets 14 and 24 areattracted to each other, the inner panel 202 can hold the outer panel102. Note that each of the magnets 11 and 14 of the outer panel 102 andthe magnets 21A and 24 of the inner panel 202 can be formed by apermanent magnet.

The action button B arranged in the central portion of the inner panel202 is covered with the outer panel 102 when the outer panel 102 isattached to the inner panel 202. The user can press the action button Bvia the projection 12 of the outer panel 102 by pressing a portionaround the central portion of the outer panel 102. This can switch, forexample, power-on/off of the inhaler 100.

The magnetic sensor 23A detects a magnetic force based on a magneticfield applied from the magnet 13A in the outer panel 102. For example,the magnetic sensor 23A can be a Hall sensor formed using a Hallelement. This can detect the attachment of the outer panel 102 to theinner panel 202. In the state in which the outer panel 102 is attachedto the inner panel 202, light from the display D is transmitted throughthe display window 25 of the inner panel 202 and the display window 103of the outer panel 102.

The magnetic sensor 23A of the inner panel 202 is arranged to face themagnet 13A of the outer panel 102 via the inner surface of the innerpanel 202 in the state in which the outer panel 102 is attached to theinner panel 202. That is, when the outer panel 102 is attached to theinner panel 202, the distance between the magnetic sensor 23A of theinner panel 202 and the magnet 13A of the outer panel 102 is minimum.

Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 23A of the inner panel 202 isconfigured not to detect a magnetic field generated by each of the twomagnets 21A and 24 of the inner panel 202. For example, on the innersurface of the inner panel 202, the magnetic sensor 23A is arranged at aposition separated from the two magnets 21A and 24 on the outer surfaceof the inner panel 202. This can set the influence of the magneticfields from the two magnets 21A and 24 on the magnetic sensor 23A toapproximately zero.

The distance between the magnetic sensor 23A and the magnet 24 (or themagnet 21A) of the inner panel 202 can be set to be larger than thedistance between the magnetic sensor 23A and the magnet 13A in the statein which the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202. Thus,when detecting the attachment of the outer panel 102 to the inner panel202, it is possible to appropriately consider only the influence of themagnetic field applied from the magnet 13A on the magnetic sensor 23Awithout considering the influence of the magnetic field of the magnet24.

In an example, the outer panel 102 can be configured so that datameasured by the magnetic sensor 23A changes depending on the type of theouter panel 102 when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel202. More specifically, the outer panel 102 is configured so that themagnitude of the magnetic force concerning the magnet 13A of themagnetic field application unit, which is detected by the magneticsensor 23A of the inner panel 202, changes depending on the type of thepanel.

For example, the outer panel 102 can be configured so that the distancebetween the magnet 13A as the magnetic field application unit and itsfacing magnetic sensor 23A changes depending on the type of the outerpanel in the state in which the outer panel 102 is attached to the innerpanel 202. That is, the shape of the curved surface may be adjusted foreach type of outer panel so that the height of the inner surface of theouter panel 102 changes depending on the type. Note that those skilledin the art generally understand that the magnitude of the magnetic forcechanges depending on the distance from the magnet (more specifically,the magnitude of the magnetic force is inversely proportional to thesquare of the distance). Thus, it is possible to use the common magnet13A in any type of the outer panel 102, which is advantageous inmanufacturing.

In another example, the position of the magnet 13A may be shifted so asto change depending on the type of the outer panel along the innersurface of the facing outer panel 102. This can change the distancebetween the magnet 13A and the magnetic sensor 23A in accordance withthe type of the outer panel. That is, the magnitude of the magneticforce detected by the magnetic sensor 23A can be changed in accordancewith the type of the panel.

In still another example, the outer panel 102 can be configured so thatthe type of the magnet 13A as the magnetic field application unitchanges depending on the type of the outer panel. The magnet 13A isformed by, for example, a permanent magnet. More specifically, one of aFerrite magnet, an Al—Ni—Co magnet, a cobalt magnet, a Neodymium magnet,and the like is selected in accordance with the type of the outer panel.This can change the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by themagnetic sensor 23A in accordance with the type of the outer panel.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an arrangement example different from that shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 4A is a view showing the inner surface of theouter panel 102. FIG. 4B is a view showing a portion exposed to thefront surface of the power source unit 101 in a state in which the outerpanel 102 is detached. FIG. 4B is a view of the outer appearance of theouter surface of the inner panel 202. In the state in which the outerpanel 102 is attached to the power source unit 101, the inner surface ofthe outer panel 102 and the outer surface of the inner panel 202 faceeach other.

As shown in FIG. 4A, on the inner surface of the outer panel 102, amagnetic body 13B is arranged above the display window 103, theprojection 12 is arranged below the display window 103, and a magnet 15is arranged below the projection 12. Furthermore, the magnetic body 13Bincludes a circular base portion 11B, and a leg portion 12B thatlinearly extends from the base portion 11B approximately in thelongitudinal direction. The magnetic body 13B is made of a material thatbecomes magnetized, when a magnetic field is applied from the outside,by the action of the magnetic field, and applies a magnetic field. Themagnetic body 13B is formed as a magnetic field application unit for amagnetic sensor 23B (to be described later) of the inner panel 202. Themagnetic body 13B can be made of, for example, a metal. Morespecifically, the magnetic body 13B can be made of a paramagneticmaterial or a ferromagnetic material as a non-permanent magnet.“Ferromagnetic” indicates the property of a material that becomesstrongly magnetized, when a magnetic field is applied from the outside,in the same direction as that of the magnetic field, and is stillmagnetized even if the magnetic field from the outside is set to zero.Examples of the ferromagnetic material are iron, cobalt, and nickel. Inaddition, “paramagnetic” indicates the property of a material thatbecomes weakly magnetized, when a magnetic field is applied from theoutside, in the same direction as that of the magnetic field, and is notmagnetized when the magnetic field from the outside is set to zero. Anexample of the paramagnetic material is aluminum.

The magnetic body 13B is formed as an acted upon unit that changes in astate (that is, is magnetized) in accordance with the action of amagnetic field applied from the outside. In addition, the magnetic body13B is formed as a magnetic field application unit that applies amagnetic field to the inner panel 202. More specifically, if the outerpanel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, the magnetic body 13Bfunctions as an acted upon unit that a magnet 21B of the inner panel 202acts upon. As a result, the magnetic body 13B is magnetized, andfunctions as a magnetic field application unit for the magnet 21B andthe magnetic sensor 23B of the inner panel 202. More specifically, theouter panel 102 can be attracted to and held by the inner panel 202 by amagnetic force based on a magnetic field generated and applied by themagnetic body 13B (particularly, the base portion 11B). Furthermore,with respect to a magnetic field generated and applied by the magneticbody 13B (particularly, the leg portion 12B), the magnetic sensor 23B ofthe inner panel 202 can be made to detect the state of the leg portion12B (that is, a magnetic force based on the magnetic field from the legportion 12B). This can cause the power source unit 101 to detect theattachment of the outer panel 102.

As shown in FIG. 4B, on the outer surface of the inner panel 202, thedisplay window 25 is formed above the action button B, the magnet 21B isarranged above the display window 25, and a magnet 27 is arranged belowthe action button B. Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 23B is arranged ona side of the display window 25 on the inner surface of the inner panel202 (more correctly, on a substrate with an approximately zero distanceto the inner surface). The magnetic sensor 23B forms a magnetic forcedetection region 26B indicated by a broken line on the outer surface ofthe inner panel 202. The magnet 21B, the magnetic sensor 23B, thedisplay window 25, the action button B, and the magnet 27 on the side ofthe inner panel 202 correspond to the base portion 11B of the magneticbody 13B, the leg portion 12B of the magnetic body 13B, the displaywindow 103, the projection 12, and the magnet 15 on the side of theouter panel 102, respectively. That is, when the outer panel 102 isattached to the inner panel 202, the panels are aligned with respect tothe respective components so that they face each other. When the outerpanel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, they are arranged so thatthe magnetic body 13B of the outer panel 102 is aligned with both themagnet 21B and the magnetic sensor 23B of the inner panel 202. Morespecifically, the outer panel 102 and the inner panel 202 are arrangedso that the base portion 11B of the magnetic body 13B of the outer panel102 is aligned with the magnet 21B of the inner panel 202 and the legportion 12B of the magnetic body 13B of the outer panel 102 is alignedwith the magnetic sensor 23B of the inner panel 202. In particular, whenthe outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, the magneticsensor 23B faces the leg portion 12B of the magnetic body 13B via theinner surface of the inner panel 202, and thus the distance between themagnetic sensor 23B and the leg portion 12B of the magnetic body 13B isminimum.

The magnet 21B of the inner panel 202 is formed as an acting unit thatgenerates a magnetic field. A magnetic force based on the magnetic fieldacts to magnetize the magnetic body 13B in the outer panel 102, therebyattracting the base portion 11B of the magnetic body. That is, themagnet 21B and the base portion 11B of the magnetic body 13B attracteach other by the magnetic attraction force, and thus the inner panel202 can hold the outer panel 102.

The magnetic sensor 23B detects the magnetic force of the leg portion12B of the magnetic body 13B magnetized in the outer panel 102. Forexample, similar to the magnetic sensor 23A, the magnetic sensor 23B canbe a Hall sensor formed using a Hall element. This can detect theattachment of the outer panel 102 to the inner panel 202.

The magnetic sensor 23B of the inner panel 202 is configured not todetect a magnetic field generated by each of the two magnets 21B and 27of the inner panel 202. For example, on the inner surface of the innerpanel 202, the magnetic sensor 23B is arranged at a position separatedfrom the two magnets 21B and 27 on the outer surface of the inner panel202. This can set the influence of the magnetic fields from the twomagnets 21B and 27 on the magnetic sensor 23B to approximately zero.

The distance between the magnetic sensor 23B and the magnet 21B (or themagnet 27) of the inner panel 202 can be set to be larger than thedistance between the magnetic sensor 23B and the magnetic body 13B inthe state in which the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel202. Thus, when detecting the attachment of the outer panel 102 to theinner panel 202, it is possible to appropriately consider only themagnetic field applied from the leg portion 12B of the magnetic body 13Bin the magnetic sensor 23B without considering the influence of themagnetic field of the two magnets 21B and 27.

In an example, the outer panel 102 can be configured so that datameasured by the magnetic sensor 23B changes depending on the type of theouter panel 102 when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel202. More specifically, the outer panel 102 is configured so that dataconcerning the magnetized magnetic body 13B (that is, the magnitude ofthe magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 23B), which isdetected by the magnetic sensor 23B of the inner panel 202, changesdepending on the type of the panel.

For example, the outer panel 102 is configured so that the distancebetween the leg portion 12B of the magnetic body 13B and its facingmagnetic sensor 23B changes depending on the type of the outer panel inthe state in which the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel202. That is, the shape of the curved surface may be adjusted for eachtype of panel so that the height of the inner surface of the outer panel102 changes depending on the type. Thus, the common magnetic body 13B isused in any type of the outer panel 102, which is advantageous inmanufacturing.

In another example, the position of the magnetic body 13B may be shiftedso as to change depending on the type of the panel along the innersurface of the facing outer panel 102. This can change the distancebetween the magnetic body 13B and the magnetic sensor 23B in accordancewith the type of the panel. That is, the magnitude of the magnetic forcedetected by the magnetic sensor 23B can be changed in accordance withthe type of the panel.

The arrangement examples for the attaching the outer panel 102 to theinner panel 202 using the magnets have been described above but thepresent invention is not limited to them. Another arrangement may beadopted as long as it is possible to detachably attach the outer panel102 to the inner panel 202 and to detect an attached/detached state.

An example of the functional arrangement of the power source unit 101will be described next with reference to FIG. 5 . Note that functionalblocks to be described may be integrated or separated, and each functionto be described may be implemented by another block. A component to bedescribed as a hardware component may be implemented by a softwarecomponent and vice versa.

A control unit 120 controls the operation of the power source unit 101.The control unit 120 may include one or more processors and a volatilememory. The processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central ProcessingUnit) or a microcontroller. The control unit 120 controls all thefunctions of the inhaler 100 by loading a computer program (also calledsoftware or firmware) stored in a storage unit 121 into the memory andexecuting the loaded program. The storage unit 121 can be, for example,a nonvolatile memory. The storage unit 121 stores one or more computerprograms, and data describing a control sequence (heating profile) forcontrolling a heating unit 130. Note that the heating unit 130 is afunctional unit that heats the stick 110, and is formed by theabove-described heater H.

The control unit 120 can control communication (pairing or connection ina normal state) with an external communication device. Furthermore, thecontrol unit 120 can control transition of the state of the inhaler 100to be described later in accordance with a user operation on the actionbutton B or the slider 105. The control unit 120 controls supply ofelectric power from a battery 132 to the heating unit 130. In responseto an aerosol generation request, the control unit 120 can start tosupply electric power from the battery 132 as a power supply to theheating unit 130. The control unit 120 controls the temperature of theheating unit 130 by adjusting the duty ratio of a control pulse by pulsewidth modulation (PWM). Note that the control unit 120 may use pulsefrequency modulation (PFM) instead of PWM.

An input detection unit 122 detects, for example, an operation input tothe action button B. The input detection unit 122 detects a useroperation performed by, for example, pushing the outer panel 102, andoutputs an input signal indicating this user operation to the controlunit 120. Note that the inhaler 100 may detect pushing itself of theouter panel 102, instead of detecting the pressing of the action buttonB.

A state detection unit 123 detects the open/closed state of the slider105. The state detection unit 123 can be formed by, for example, a Hallsensor including a Hall element. The state detection unit 123 outputs,to the control unit 120, a state detection signal indicating whether theslider 105 is open or closed. Furthermore, the state detection unit 123can also detect an attached/detached state of the outer panel 102.Therefore, the state detection unit 123 can include, for example,magnetic sensors 23A and 23B described above. The state detection unit123 can output a state detection signal indicating the attached/detachedstate of the outer panel 102 to the control unit 120.

An inhalation detection unit 124 (puff sensor) can detect inhalation(puff) of the stick 110 by the user. For example, the inhalationdetection unit 124 can include a thermistor disposed near the opening106. In this case, the inhalation detection unit 124 can detectinhalation by the user based on a change in resistance value of thethermistor resulting from a temperature change caused by the inhalation.As another example, the inhalation detection unit 124 may include apressure sensor disposed on the bottom of the holding portion 107. Inthis case, the inhalation detection unit 124 can detect inhalation basedon a reduction in atmospheric pressure resulting from an air currentcaused by the inhalation. The inhalation detection unit 124 outputs, tothe control unit 120, for example, an inhalation detection signalindicating whether inhalation is performed.

A light emitting unit 125 includes one or more LEDs and a driver fordriving the LEDs, thereby forming the display D. The light emitting unit125 turns on each LED in accordance with an instruction signal inputfrom the control unit 120. A vibration unit 126 forms theabove-described vibration generation unit V. The vibration unit 126 caninclude a vibrator (for example, an eccentric motor) and a driver fordriving the vibrator. The vibration unit 126 vibrates the vibrator inaccordance with an instruction signal input from the control unit 120.The control unit 120 may control at least one of the light emitting unit125 and the vibration unit 126 in an arbitrary pattern, in order tonotify the user of a certain status (for example, the status of pairingor detachment of the outer panel 102) of the inhaler 100. For example,the light emission patterns of the light emitting unit 125 can bedistinguished by elements such as the light emission state (alwayson/blinking/off), the blinking period, and the light color of each LED.The vibration patterns of the vibration unit 126 can be distinguished byelements such as the vibration state (vibration/stop) and the vibrationstrength of the vibrator.

A communication OF 127 includes, for example, a communication circuitand an antenna, and serves as a communication interface with which theinhaler 100 wirelessly communicates with an external communicationdevice (for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tabletterminal owned by the user). The communication OF 127 can be, forexample, an interface complying with an arbitrary wireless communicationprotocol, for example, short-range wireless communication such asBluetooth®, near-field wireless communication such as NFC (Near FieldCommunication), or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

A connection OF 128 is a wired interface having a terminal forconnecting the inhaler 100 to another external device. The connection OF128 can be a chargeable interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus)interface. The connection OF 128 may be used to charge the battery 132from an external power supply (charger) (via a feeder (not shown)).

The battery 132 is a chargeable battery (secondary battery) such as alithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the battery 132 may be formed by anelectric double-layer capacitor such as a lithium-ion capacitor. Aresidual amount meter 133 can include an IC chip for monitoring theresidual power amount and other statuses of the battery 132. Theresidual amount meter 133 can periodically measure the status values ofthe battery 132, such as the SOC (State Of Charge), the SOH (State OfHealth), the RSOC (Relative SOC), and the power supply voltage, and canoutput the measurement results to the control unit 120.

<Operation Modes>

An example of transition of the state of the power source unit 101 willbe described with reference to FIG. 6 . The control unit 120 has aplurality of operation modes. The plurality of modes can include, forexample, a sleep mode 61, an active mode 62, an aerosol generation mode63, a charging mode 64, an unlock setting mode 65, and a pairing mode66.

The sleep mode 61 is a state in which the operation by the control unit120 is temporarily stopped to stand by in a power-saving state in whichthe power consumption is reduced. The speed mode is a state in which theinhaler 100 stops the main operation, and no electric power is suppliedto the heater H. Display on the display D is not performed. In otherwords, in the sleep mode 61, the power source unit 101 is locked and theuser cannot inhale aerosol. In the sleep mode 61, the control unit 120can accept a predetermined user input, and can transition to anothermode corresponding to the user input upon accepting the correspondinguser input. Note that in the following description, the speed mode willsometimes be referred to as a standby state. In this embodiment, thesleep mode 61 can be started by a method of “suspend” or “standby” bywhich the standby state begins while the contents of the memory of thecontrol unit 120 are maintained, and can also be started by a method of“hibernation” by which the standby state begins while the contents ofthe memory of the control unit 120 are copied to the storage unit 121.In the sleep mode 61, functions need not be operable except for thefunction of detecting a user operation on the slider 105 or the actionbutton B, and the function of monitoring the residual battery amount.

In the sleep mode 61, for example, if an operation of opening the slider105 (an operation of setting the shutter open state) is performed, thecontrol unit 120 can transition to the active mode 62. The active mode62 can be a standby mode of standing by for detection of an unlockoperation using the action button B while performing at least display bythe display D. In the active mode 62, if an operation of closing theslider 105 (an operation of setting the shutter closed state) isperformed or if a non-operation state in which no user operation isperformed for the power source unit 101 continues for a predeterminedtime, the control unit 120 can return to the sleep mode 61 in whichdisplay on the display D is stopped to stand by in the power-savingstate.

In the active mode 62, upon detecting an unlock operation, the controlunit 120 unlocks the locked state of the power source unit 101, and cantransition to the aerosol generation mode 63 in which aerosol isgenerated. The unlock operation can be, for example, one pressingoperation of the action button B. However, as will be described later,the unlock operation can be changed by setting. For example, the unlockoperation can be an operation of repeatedly pressing the action button Ba predetermined number of times (for example, three times) within apredetermined time, an operation of pressing the action button B for apredetermined time (for example, 3 sec), or a combination thereof. Inthe aerosol generation mode 63, the heating unit 130 performs heating(that is, supplies electric power to the heater H), and the user caninhale aerosol. Alternatively, the setting of the unlock operation maybe disabled, and transition to the aerosol generation mode 63 may beperformed in response to detection, by the inhalation detection unit 124(puff sensor), of inhalation (puff) by the user. When the inhalationends, or the inhalation time reaches a predetermined upper limit time(MaxLoadingTime), the control unit 120 can return to the active mode 62.

When an external power supply (charger) is connected to the connectionOF 128 in the sleep mode 61 or the active mode 62 (or the aerosolgeneration mode 63), the control unit 120 transitions to the chargingmode 64 and the battery 132 is charged. When the external power supplyis detached from the connection OF 128 or the battery 132 is in a fullcharge state, the control unit 120 transitions to the sleep mode 61.

In the charging mode 64, for example, if a predetermined operation isperformed on the action button B, the control unit 120 can transition tothe unlock setting mode 65. In the unlock setting mode 65, the unlockoperation is set. For example, the unlock operation in a default statecan be, for example, one pressing operation of the action button B. Inthe unlock setting mode 65, the user can change this unlock operation toanother operation. For example, the unlock operation can be set to anarbitrary pattern such as an operation of repeatedly pressing the actionbutton B a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time, anoperation of pressing the action button B for a predetermined time, or acombination thereof. This can improve security performance of the powersource unit 101. When the setting ends, the control unit 120 returns tothe charging mode 64. Note that in this embodiment, transition to theunlock setting mode 65 is performed from the charging mode 64 buttransition to the unlock setting mode 65 may be performed from anoperation mode other than the charging mode 64.

If a predetermined pairing operation is performed in the sleep mode 61,the control unit 120 can transition to the pairing mode 66 for executingpairing with an external communication device. Pairing is processing ofassociating the power source unit 101 with an external communicationdevice, and can be performed with, for example, the externalcommunication device in compliance with Bluetooth®. The pairingoperation can be, for example, an operation of pressing the actionbutton B while the slider 105 is closed. In the pairing mode 66, ifpairing with the external communication device succeeds, the controlunit 120 registers identification information of the paired device in awhite list stored in the storage unit 121. If registration in the whitelist succeeds or pairing fails, the control unit 120 can transition fromthe pairing mode 66 to the sleep mode 61.

<Operation of Power Source Unit in Each Operation Mode>

Examples of the operation of the power source unit 101 will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 7 to 12 . This operation is controlled by thecontrol unit 120.

FIG. 7 shows a control sequence in the sleep mode 61. In the sleep mode61, the power source unit 101 is in the standby state. In step S101, thecontrol unit 120 determines whether the external power supply (charger)is connected to the connection OF 128 to start charging of the battery132. If charging is detected, the control unit 120 advances to stepS104, and leaves the sleep mode 61 to transition to the active mode 62.

In step S102, the control unit 120 determines the open/closed state ofthe slider 105 based on a state detection signal from the statedetection unit 123. If the shutter open state is detected, the controlunit 120 advances to step S103, and leaves the sleep mode 61 totransition to the active mode 62.

In step S105, the control unit 120 determines whether a pairingoperation of pressing the action button B is performed in the shutterclosed state (NO in step S102). If no pairing operation is detected, theprocess returns to step S101. On the other hand, if a pairing operationis detected, the control unit 120 transitions to the pairing mode (stepS107). However, in this embodiment, in step S106, it is confirmed basedon the output signal of the state detection unit 123 that the outerpanel 102 is attached to the power source unit 101, and the control unit120 advances to step S107, and transitions to the pairing mode. In stepS106, if the outer panel 102 is detached from the power source unit 101,the control unit 120 does not transition to the pairing mode as thefunction restriction, and the process returns to step S101. At thistime, the pairing operation may be disabled.

FIG. 8 shows a control sequence in the active mode 62. After enteringthe active mode 62, the control unit 120 acquires the residual batteryamount in step S201. For example, the control unit 120 can acquire theresidual battery amount based on the output voltage of the battery 132.Alternatively, the control unit 120 can acquire the residual batteryamount based on the number of times of puff after the completion ofcharging, which is acquired from the inhalation detection unit 124.Alternatively, if the power source unit 101 includes a managementcircuit that manages the battery 132, the control unit 120 can acquirethe residual battery amount based on an output from the managementcircuit.

In step S202, the control unit 120 determines whether the residualbattery amount exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predeterminedthreshold is a threshold for determining whether to permit the operationin the active mode 62 with respect to the residual battery amount. Morespecifically, the predetermined threshold can be set as, for example,the predetermined lower limit value of the residual battery amount withwhich even generation of aerosol corresponding to N (for example, N=1)puff operations is impossible. If the residual battery amount is equalto or smaller than the predetermined threshold, the power source unit101 cannot operate in the active mode 62. Therefore, in step S203, thecontrol unit 120 makes a notification by the display D and/or thevibration generation unit V, and then returns to the sleep mode 61 instep S204.

If the residual battery amount exceeds the predetermined threshold, theprocess advances to step S205. In step S205, the control unit 120displays the residual battery amount on the display D. After that, instep S206, the control unit 120 determines whether a condition forreturning to the sleep mode 61 is satisfied. The condition for returningto the sleep mode 61 can be, for example, a condition that the slider105 is operated to be set in the shutter closed state or a conditionthat a non-operation period exceeds a predetermined time. If thiscondition is satisfied, the control unit 120 transitions to the sleepmode 61 in step S204.

If it is determined in step S206 that the condition for returning to thesleep mode 61 is not satisfied, the control unit 120 determines in stepS207 whether an unlock operation is performed. If an unlock operation isdetected, the control unit 120 determines in step S208 whether the outerpanel 102 is attached to the power source unit 101. If the outer panel102 is attached to the power source unit 101, the control unit 120transitions to the aerosol generation mode 63 in step S209.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the outer panel 102 isdetached from the power source unit 101, the control unit 120 makes, instep S210, a notification by the display D and/or the vibrationgeneration unit V, and the process returns to step S201. That is, evenif an unlock operation is detected in the state in which the outer panel102 is detached, the control unit 120 does not transition to the aerosolgeneration mode 63 as the function restriction. At this time, the unlockoperation may be disabled. Note that in this case, the control unit 120may transition to the sleep mode 61 instead of returning to step S201.

An overview of the operation in the active mode 62 has been describedabove. According to the control sequence shown in FIG. 8 , in the statein which the outer panel 102 is detached, even if an unlock operation isinput, the control unit 120 cannot transition to the aerosol generationmode 63. At this time, the unlock operation may be disabled. However,even if the detachment of the outer panel 102 is detected in step S208,the active mode 62 is maintained, and the residual battery amount cancontinuously be displayed in step S205.

Note that in the sequence of FIG. 8 , transition to the charging mode 64is not illustrated. As described above, even in the active mode 62, itis monitored that the external power supply (charger) is connected tothe connection OF 128. If the external power supply (charger) isconnected to the connection OF 128 in the active mode 62, the battery132 can also be charged.

FIG. 9 shows a control sequence in the aerosol generation mode 63. Aftertransitioning to the aerosol generation mode 63, the control unit 120first confirms, in step S301, that the outer panel 102 is attached tothe power source unit 101 (the inner panel 202). If the outer panel 102is attached to the power source unit 101, the control unit 120 starts,in step S302, to supply electric power to the heater H by the heatingunit 130. Power supply to the heater H can be controlled in accordancewith a predetermined control sequence (heating profile). After apreheating period in the heating profile, the inhaler 100 enters theinhalation enable state.

In step S303, the control unit 120 determines whether an aerosolgeneration end condition is satisfied. The aerosol generation endcondition can be, for example, a condition that the number of times ofpuff after entering the inhalation enable state, which is acquired fromthe inhalation detection unit 124, has reached a predetermined number, acondition that a predetermined time has elapsed after transitioning tothe aerosol generation mode 63, or the like. If the aerosol generationend condition is satisfied, the process advances to step S304, and thecontrol unit 120 stops the power supply to the heater H. After that, instep S305, the control unit 120 transitions to the active mode 62.

If it is determined in step S301 that the outer panel 102 is detachedfrom the power source unit 101, the control unit 120 makes, in stepS306, a notification by the display D and/or the vibration generationunit V, and prohibits, in step S307, power supply to the heater H as thefunction restriction. After that, in step S308, the control unit 120 maydetermine whether the outer panel 102 is attached to the power sourceunit 101. While the outer panel 102 is not attached to the power sourceunit 101, the determination processing in step S308 can be repeated fora predetermined time. However, if the predetermined time elapses (YES instep S310), the control unit 120 transitions to the active mode 62 instep S311. If the attachment of the outer panel 102 to the power sourceunit 101 is detected within the predetermined time, the control unit 120cancels, in step S309, the prohibition of the power supply to the heaterH as the function restriction. After that, the process returns to stepS301.

Note that although not illustrated, acquisition and display of theresidual battery amount can appropriately be performed even in theaerosol generation mode 63, similar to the active mode 62. Even in thestate in which the outer panel 102 is detached, display of the residualbattery amount may be continued without being prohibited.

FIG. 10 shows a control sequence in the pairing mode 66. After enteringthe pairing mode 66, the control unit 120 acquires the residual batteryamount in step S401. For example, the control unit 120 can acquire theresidual battery amount based on the output voltage of the battery 132.Alternatively, the control unit 120 can acquire the residual batteryamount based on the number of times of puff after the completion ofcharging, which is acquired from the inhalation detection unit 124.Alternatively, if the power source unit 101 includes a managementcircuit that manages the battery 132, the control unit 120 can acquirethe residual battery amount based on an output from the managementcircuit.

In step S402, the control unit 120 determines whether the residualbattery amount exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predeterminedthreshold is a threshold for determining whether to permit the operationin the pairing mode 66 with respect to the residual battery amount. Morespecifically, the predetermined threshold can be set as thepredetermined lower limit value of the residual battery amount byassuming that electric power shortage does not occur during pairingprocessing. If the residual battery amount is equal to or smaller thanthe predetermined threshold, the power source unit 101 cannot operate inthe pairing mode 66. Therefore, in step S403, the control unit 120 makesa notification by the display D and/or the vibration generation unit V,and then advances to step S413 to return to the sleep mode 61.

If the residual battery amount exceeds the predetermined threshold, theprocess advances to step S404. In step S404, the control unit 120displays the residual battery amount on the display D. After that, instep S405, the control unit 120 determines whether the outer panel 102is attached to the power source unit 101. If it is determined that theouter panel 102 is detached from the power source unit 101, the controlunit 120 makes, in step S406, a notification by the display D and/or thevibration generation unit V, and advances to step S413 to return to thesleep mode 61. As described above, in this embodiment, if the detachmentof the outer panel 102 is detected in the pairing mode 66, the controlunit 120 prohibits execution of pairing as the function restriction. Inthis case, the control unit 120 leaves the pairing mode 66, andtransitions to the sleep mode 61. If it is determined that the outerpanel 102 is detached from the power source unit 101 in the pairing mode66, the pairing operation performed so far may be canceled.

If it is determined in step S405 that the outer panel 102 is attached tothe power source unit 101, the control unit 120 executes, in step S407,pairing complying with Bluetooth® with an external communication device.In step S408, the control unit 120 determines whether the pairingprocessing has succeeded or failed. For example, if a time-out occursbefore the completion of the pairing processing, an error is notifiedfrom the external communication device, or a cancel operation of thepairing processing is detected, the control unit 120 can determine apairing failure. Furthermore, if it is detected that the outer panel 102is detached from the power source unit 101 during the pairingprocessing, the control unit 120 interrupts the pairing processing, anddetermines a pairing failure.

If it is determined in step S408 that the pairing processing hassucceeded, the control unit 120 makes, in step S409, a notification thatthe pairing processing has succeeded, by the display D and/or thevibration generation unit V. After that, in step S410, the control unit120 determines whether a pairing cancellation condition is satisfied.The pairing cancellation condition can be, for example, a condition thatthe slider 105 is operated to be set in the shutter open state, acondition that the action button B is pressed, a condition that apairing cancellation request is received from the external communicationdevice, a condition that a non-operation period exceeds a predeterminedtime, or the like. If the pairing cancellation condition is satisfied,the control unit 120 performs, in step S411, processing of disconnectingBluetooth connection from the external communication device, andtransitions to the sleep mode 61 in step S413.

If it is determined in step S408 that the pairing processing has failed,the control unit 120 makes, in step S412, a notification that thepairing processing has failed, by the display D and/or the vibrationgeneration unit V. After that, in step S413, the control unit 120transitions to the sleep mode 61.

FIG. 11 shows a control sequence in the charging mode 64. After enteringthe charging mode 64, the control unit 120 acquires the residual batteryamount in step S501. For example, the control unit 120 can acquire theresidual battery amount based on the output voltage of the battery 132.Alternatively, the control unit 120 can acquire the residual batteryamount based on the number of times of puff after the completion ofcharging, which is acquired from the inhalation detection unit 124.Alternatively, if the power source unit 101 includes a managementcircuit that manages the battery 132, the control unit 120 can acquirethe residual battery amount based on an output from the managementcircuit. After that, in step S502, the control unit 120 displays theresidual battery amount on the display D.

In step S503, the control unit 120 determines whether an unlock settingoperation is performed. The unlock setting operation can be, forexample, a combination of an operation of opening/closing the slider 105and a predetermined number of times of continuous pressing of the actionbutton B. If no unlock setting operation is detected, the control unit120 determines in step S504 whether charging has ended. If, for example,the external power supply (charger) is detached from the connection OF128 or the battery 132 is set in the full charge state, it can bedetermined that charging has ended. If it is determined that charginghas not ended, the process returns to step S501. If it is determinedthat charging has ended, the control unit 120 transitions to the sleepmode 61 in step S507.

If the unlock setting operation is detected in step S503, the controlunit 120 determines in step S505 whether the outer panel 102 is attachedto the power source unit 101. If the outer panel 102 is attached to thepower source unit 101, the control unit 120 transitions to the unlocksetting mode 65 in step S506. If the outer panel 102 is not attached tothe power source unit 101, the control unit 120 does not transition tothe unlock setting mode 65, and the process advances to step S504. Thatis, even if the unlock setting operation is detected in the state inwhich the outer panel 102 is detached, the control unit 120 does nottransition to the unlock setting mode 65 as the function restriction.The unlock setting operation may be disabled. Note that if the outerpanel 102 is not attached to the power source unit 101, a notificationof it may be made.

As described above, in this embodiment, even if the detachment of theouter panel 102 is detected in the charging mode 64, the battery 132 iscontinuously charged. However, transition to the unlock setting mode 65in the state in which the outer panel 102 is detached is not permitted.In another embodiment, charging processing may also not be permitted inthe state in which the outer panel 102 is detached.

FIG. 12 shows a control sequence in the unlock setting mode 65. Afterentering the unlock setting mode 65, the control unit 120 accepts theinput of an unlock operation pattern in step S601. As described above,the unlock operation is an operation for transitioning from the activemode 62 to the aerosol generation mode 63. In step S601, for example, anunlock operation pattern input within a predetermined time (for example,20 sec) after transition to the unlock setting mode 65 is accepted.

In step S602, the control unit 120 determines whether the outer panel102 is attached to the power source unit 101. If the outer panel 102 isattached to the power source unit 101, the control unit 120 stores, instep S603, the unlock operation pattern accepted in step S601 in thestorage unit 121. After that, the control unit 120 returns to thecharging mode 64 in step S605.

If it is determined in step S602 that the outer panel 102 is notattached to the power source unit 101, the control unit 120 discards, instep S604, data of the unlock operation pattern input in step S601.After that, the control unit 120 returns to the charging mode 64 in stepS605. As described above, in this embodiment, if the detachment of theouter panel 102 is detected in the unlock setting mode 65, the controlunit 120 prohibits execution of setting of the unlock operation as thefunction restriction, and cancels the unlock operation pattern input sofar.

Note that although not illustrated, acquisition and display of theresidual battery amount can appropriately be performed even in theunlock setting mode 65, similar to the active mode 62 or the like. Evenin the state in which the outer panel 102 is detached, display of theresidual battery amount may be continued without being prohibited. Asdescribed above, in the operation modes other than the sleep mode 61,even if the detachment of the outer panel 102 is detected, the controlunit 120 can continue display by the display D.

The operation of the power source unit 101 in each operation mode hasbeen explained above. In the above-described embodiment, in any of theplurality of operation modes, in the state in which the outer panel 102is detached, the operation of the action button B can be disabled.However, in each operation mode, if the detachment of the outer panel102 is detected, only the function associated with the operation mode isrestricted, and the operations of the remaining functions can becontinued. For example, in the active mode 62 (FIG. 8 ), even if theouter panel 102 is detached, display of the residual battery amount isnot stopped. In the charging mode 64 (FIG. 11 ), even if the outer panel102 is detached, charging is not stopped.

With respect to a function that can depend on user selection, a tool forprompting the user to make selection may be provided. At this time, thecontrol unit 120 can function as a setting unit for setting contents ofthe function restriction on the plurality of functions. For example, inthe pairing mode 66, a setting screen shown in FIG. 13 may be displayedon the display unit of a paired external communication device, and theuser may be able to select, for each of the plurality of functions,prohibition/non-prohibition of the operation of the function in thestate in which the outer panel 102 is detached. Referring to FIG. 13 , ahatched portion indicates a selection result by the user. The selectionresult of each function is stored in the storage unit 121. The controlunit 120 can execute control when the outer panel 102 is detached, inaccordance with the selection information stored in the storage unit121.

According to the above-described embodiment, the control unit 120 isconfigured to impose, if the detachment of the outer panel 102 isdetected, a function restriction on the plurality of functionscontrolled by the control unit 120. Then, the control unit 120 has theplurality of operation modes, and contents of the function restrictionare different for each operation mode. This can maintain userconvenience. Among others, in the state in which the outer panel 102 isdetached, heating by power supply to the heater H is prohibited, andthus safety is also ensured. Therefore, according to this embodiment,there is provided an inhaler power source unit advantageous in bothsafety and user convenience.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modificationsand variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, therebyenabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An inhaler power source unit, that supplieselectric power from a power supply to a heater configured to heat anaerosol source, the power source unit comprising: a control unitconfigured to control an operation of the power source unit; a housingconfigured to accommodate the power supply and the control unit; a panelconfigured to be detachably attached to a surface of the housing; and adetection unit configured to detect attachment or detachment of thepanel to or from the housing, wherein the control unit is configured toimpose, in a case where the detection unit detects the detachment of thepanel, a function restriction on a plurality of functions controlled bythe control unit, and the control unit has a plurality of operationmodes, and contents of the function restriction are different for eachoperation mode.
 2. The power source unit according to claim 1, furthercomprising an operation button arranged in the housing, wherein in anyof the plurality of operation modes, in a state in which the panel isdetached, the control unit disables an operation of the operation buttonas the function restriction.
 3. The power source unit according to claim2, further comprising a display unit, wherein the plurality of operationmodes include a standby mode of standing by for detection of an unlockoperation using the operation button while performing display by thedisplay unit, and an aerosol generation mode of supplying electric powerto the heater to generate aerosol, and in a case where the unlockoperation is detected in the state in which the panel is detached in thestandby mode, the control unit does not transition to the aerosolgeneration mode as the function restriction.
 4. The power source unitaccording to claim 3, wherein in a case where the detection unit detectsthe detachment of the panel in the aerosol generation mode, the controlunit prohibits supplying the electric power to the heater as thefunction restriction.
 5. The power source unit according to claim 4,wherein in a case where the detection unit detects the attachment of thepanel within a predetermined time after prohibiting supplying theelectric power to the heater, the control unit cancels the prohibitionof supplying the electric power to the heater.
 6. The power source unitaccording to claim 3, wherein the plurality of operation modes furtherinclude a sleep mode of stopping the display by the display unit andstanding by in a power saving state in a case where a non-operationstate in which no user operation is performed on the power source unitcontinues in the standby mode for a predetermined time, and a pairingmode capable of executing paring for associating the power source unitwith an external communication device, and in a case where a pairingoperation using the operation button is detected in the sleep mode inthe state in which the panel is detached, the control unit does nottransition to the pairing mode as the function restriction.
 7. The powersource unit according to claim 6, wherein in a case where the detectionunit detects the detachment of the panel in the paring mode, the controlunit prohibits executing the pairing as the function restriction.
 8. Thepower source unit according to claim 3, wherein the plurality ofoperation modes further include an unlock setting mode capable ofexecuting, in response to execution of an unlock setting operation usingthe operation button, setting of the unlock operation, and in a casewhere the unlock setting operation using the operation button isdetected in the state in which the panel is detached, the control unitdoes not transition to the unlock setting mode as the functionrestriction.
 9. The power source unit according to claim 8, wherein in acase where the detection unit detects the detachment of the panel in theunlock setting mode, the control unit prohibits executing the setting ofthe unlock operation.
 10. The power source unit according to claim 3,wherein the plurality of operation modes further include a charging modeof charging the power supply using an external power supply, and even ina case where the detection unit detects the detachment of the panel inthe charging mode, the control unit continues charging the power supply.11. The power source unit according to claim 10, wherein in theoperation modes other than a sleep mode of stopping the display by thedisplay unit and standing by in a power saving state, even in a casewhere the detection unit detects the detachment of the panel, thecontrol unit continues the display by the display unit.
 12. The powersource unit according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unitconfigured to set contents of the function restriction on the pluralityof functions.